Early detection critical in fight against breast cancer

Mayor Scott Avedisian
Posted 10/23/14

Those of you who have driven by City Hall at night recently have likely noticed that the clock tower is bathed in a pink glow as we join other municipalities throughout Rhode Island to highlight …

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Early detection critical in fight against breast cancer

Posted

Those of you who have driven by City Hall at night recently have likely noticed that the clock tower is bathed in a pink glow as we join other municipalities throughout Rhode Island to highlight October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. This light symbolizes hope for the courageous Rhode Islanders who are currently facing the battle against breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women; nationally, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime and, in Rhode Island, 1 in 6 women will get breast cancer. It’s estimated that in 2014, in the United States, some 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, with more than 62,000 new cases of carcinoma in situ (non-invasive and the earliest form of breast cancer) diagnosed. Approximately 40,000 women will die from the disease. They are our mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, nieces, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Breast cancer also impacts men; it’s estimated that 2,360 new cases will be diagnosed this year and approximately 430 men will die. Each and every one of us knows someone impacted by this disease. 

Currently, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and death rates have been decreasing. It’s believed that improved treatment and earlier detection through screening and increased awareness of the disease have contributed to the decline.

These strides against breast cancer are encouraging, yet more still needs to be done. Collectively, we need to continue to raise awareness of the disease and to let people know about the resources and programs available to those affected by it.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation is one local organization dedicated to this issue. The foundation has a series of events planned this month and provides information and support to cancer patients and their loved ones year-round. For more information about the Foundation, please call (401) 861-HERO (4376) or visit www.gloriagemma.org or www.facebook.com/GloriaGemma.

Recognizing how important early detection can be for many forms of cancer, the City of Warwick allows its employees four hours per year for cancer screening. In addition to highlighting October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am urging our employees – and all of our residents – to take time during this month to go for cancer screenings. It’s a simple step that could make an enormous difference.

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